The town

Athlone is located right in the heart of Ireland in County Westmeath, famous for its scenery. It is built along the majestic River Shannon, the longest river in Ireland and in the last ten years has converted into a major tourist spot in Ireland. Athlone is one of 21 Irish Walled Towns and is steeped in history. The most representative building of Athlone is its Norman Castle dating from the thirteenth century which is now a museum, it is situated on the banks of the Shannon River, and has great historical importance as it was besieged during the Battle of Athlone, which pitted Catholics against Protestants, their strategic importance is because it has one of the few bridges that are in the area to cross the river Shannon. Another building worth mentioning is the Church of Saints Peter & Paul; a particularly impressive Roman Catholic Church built in the 1930s. Athlone has all the comforts and conveniences of a city, lots to see and do, including large shopping centers, bowling, cinemas, restaurants and theaters located in the city centre making it an ideal place to visit.

The school

The English classes take place in the Shannon Academy School, situated in the centre of the city. It has great facilities and well equipped, spacious classrooms where the students have their classes in the mornings.

The accommodation

Students are treated as another member of the family. Sharing accommodation with the families forces the students to communicate and improve their English and their conversation practice. In Student Travel Camps the same family accommodates up to two students of different nationalities and they are responsible for ensuring that they speak English throughout.

Activities and half day excursions

Viking Cruise

The Viking Cruise in Athlone is a unique journey you can take by “Viking Ship” to Clonmacnois and Lough Ree via the River Liffey. As Clonmacnois is a gorgeous monastic site and Lough Ree is known as the Lake of the Kings, they prove to be fascinating places to visit. Not to mention people get to throw on their Viking hats and make their way up the river in this incredible cruise boat.

Athenry Heritage Centre

Athenry Heritage centre is rich in medieval culture and history. It one of Ireland’s best preserved medieval villages that lets you see and experience, medieval weaponry, armour, dress and archery. If is an amazing place with lots to see and do while you peer back into time to that era.

Athlone Castle

This castle in Athlone is a very popular destination for tourists as it is a very well maintainied piece of history in Ireland. Built around 1210, it was used to defend the crossing point of the river of Athlone. It is now a state-of-the-art multi sensory experience that all visitors will enjoy.

Lough Key Forest & Activity Park

Lough Key is quite an incredible forest and leisure park situated in County Roscommon. This is an adventure park like no other as it takes place in the surroundings of historic buildings and spectacular wildlife. Visitors can do a wide range of adventure activities in possibly some of the nicest locations in the woods, the beautiful greens and river banks.

Derryglad Folk & Heritage Centre

A heritage centre in the south of Roscommon, is a place with quite an extensive collection of artefacts and significant memorabilia from Ireland’s past. Derryglad gives an amazing look back into Ireland’s past with amazing guided tours and knowledge that will familiarise you with the great collection that they have.